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Our Multi-Talented Volunteers

Suzanne Pearson came to play with us on Aug. 7. She greeted guests and did some research!

Volunteers Make It Happen

New volunteers Reagan and Aly Nierman graciously helped us with a pile of tasks on July 31! Here they are dusting the country store exhibit. Maybe they do windows, too.....

Volunteer Ashley Woodland is hard at work conserving some of the grapeshot in our collection.

Hammy Birthday

On July 12, the world's oldest ham celebrated his 112th birthday with friends. There were activities, a rousing round of Hammy Birthday and, of course, cake. The shindig attracted media coverage from The Wall Street Journal, The Times of London and the BBC.

Walking Tours

This summer, we are offering walking tours of North Church Street. Historic walks with an interpreter are a great summertime activity! Join us on August 9 for our next tour.

Paul D. Camp Kids' College

Paul D. Camp Community College Kids' College visited the Isle of Wight County Museum on July 9 for a day all about the Civil War. We discussed the war, visited Fort Huger, met a Confederate cavalryman, discussed life on the homefront, sampled hardtack and created a trusty steed of our own from a sock!

Warraskoyack Indians

In early July, we completed our Warraskoyack Indian installation. The Isle of Wight County Museum Foundation commissioned artwork by Gail Duke Walters, a multi-media piece, highlighting John Smith's visit to the Warraskoyack tribe in 1608. Our exhibit includes touchable pieces.

Commending Resolutions

On June 27, Delegate Rick Morris and Speaker of the House William Howell presented commending resolutions to honor Elizabeth Bennett Young and Randall Booth, heroes who saved Isle of Wight County's records during the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. On behalf of the honorees, the Col. William Allen Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Unit 7079 of the NAACP accepted the resolutions.We appreciate everyone who came out for the event and everyone who made a donation to the Isle of Wight County Museum as it will begin a new chapter in its own history on July 1 with the town of Smithfield.

Surfin' Safari

For the summer, our mascot pig is headed to the beach. Walk by the museum and see his surfboard and a vintage beach chair and bathing suit!

Chesapeake Public Schools Visits

On June 18, science and history teachers from Chesapeake Public Schools toured the museum and Fort Boykin for an in-service program.

New Exhibit Coming Soon!

Curator Tracey Neikirk is hard at work on our upcoming Warraskoyack exhibit. Here, she is tacking down items which will be a part of a touchable display.

We All Scream for Ice Cream

On June 14, the Isle of Wight County Museum and the Regency Society of Virginia hosted We All Scream for Early 19th Century Ice Cream. In this program, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s Historic Foodways Apprentice Melissa Blank discussed the history of ice cream and offered some early 19th century samples. Yum!

Heritage Day at Historic St. Luke's Church

On June 7, Docent Jennifer Jones manned a booth at Historic St. Luke's Church's annual Heritage Day. Hope you were able to visit. The weather was great!

June is National Iced Tea Month

On June 7, we recognized June as National Iced Tea Month. Thirsty visitors helped us celebrate!

In Honor of Major James Harber

James Harber served as a missile man at Nike Park. While stationed here, he applied for and was accepted into Office Candidate School. He retired as a major from the Army in 1975 after 22 years of total service.

When he passed away last year, his family requested that his burial flag be raised at Nike Park. On May 17, Armed Forces Day, we lifted his flag into position so that it can wave proudly over the site he fondly remembered.

From left are Nike missile man Ira Abbott who worked at Fort Monroe, local Smithfield historian Albert Burckard and Nike radar specialist Charles Shinn who worked in Hampton (Spiegelville.)

Hospitality Heroes

On Friday at Smithfield & Isle of Wight Tourism's ceremony for National Tourism Week, the following members of our division were recognized with Hospitality Hero awards: Denise Dooley, Tracey Neikirk and Jennifer Williams England. Also recognized were other members of our team Public Works employee Trissy Taliaferro and two of our outstanding volunteers: Albert Burckard and Paul Owen.

Piggy Cottontail Visits the Tavern

Piggy Cottontail visited Boykin's Tavern on April 19 for an egg hunt, craft activities and more!

Paranormal Investigations

On March 22, R.T.L. Paranormal led an investigative seminar at Boykin's Tavern. Participants learned about the tools of the trade and then broke into smaller groups to search for some things that go bump in the night. To see what they found, visit R.T.L. Paranormal's Facebook page!

Carding of Wool

On March 20, our Tell Me A Story program featured the topic of wool - everything from where to acquire it, how to card it and how to spin it!

A Warm Welcome from NASA

Historic Resources Manager Jennifer Williams England gave a lecture to the NASA Retirees on March 12. Clearly, they were excited that she was coming to visit!

Revolutionary War Lecture

On Feb. 22, local living historian Rob Friar discussed the Revolutionary War and its impact on Smithfield and Isle of Wight County from January to July 1781.

Civil War-Themed Movie Night

On Feb. 7, the Isle of Wight County Museum hosted Daily Press reporter and movie critic Mike Holtzclaw who discussed movies about the Civil War. A full-house attended the discussion and enjoyed popcorn. Afterwards, Mike stayed to talk shop with many movie buffs!

National Canned Food Month

February is National Canned Food Month! We decorated the museum's display window to remind you to drop off a donation at the museum, and we'll deliver it to the Isle of Wight Christian Outreach Program.

Images from the 150th Commemoration of the Battle of Smithfield

January Snow

In January, Mother Nature gave us some snow. It made travel difficult, but it did provide for some lovely images of Boykin's Tavern!

The Finishing Touches

On January 24, we finished the installation of our Civil War exhibit!

Countdown to the Sesquicentennial

On Jan. 21, Curator Tracey Neikirk and her assistant began to assemble the Virginia Historical Society's panel exhibit "An American Turning Point." It will be on display at the museum through February 7.From 1861 through 1865 Virginia stood at the center of a military and social revolution. How we define freedom, liberty, patriotism and our nation today is directly related to the diverse experiences of the individuals who participated in the war. This exhibition encourages visitors to consider how a single event, separated from us by 150 years, so fundamentally reshaped American society that its impact is still experienced today. What was gained by the Civil War, what was lost and what is left for us to resolve?

The Most Adorable Thank You Notes Ever

In October, Hardy Elementary School's second graders visited the Isle of Wight County Museum, the 1750 Courthouse and the Schoolhouse Museum. Clearly, they enjoyed their visit!

Scouting Out the Museum

Cub Scout Troop 36, Den 1 of Carrollton visited the museum on Dec. 17 for a tour and activities!

A Walk Through Fort Boykin

On Dec. 15, Historic Resources Manager Jennifer Williams England led a tour through Fort Boykin. If you missed this opportunity, there will be a few tours in January and February!

St. Nick Visits Boykin's Tavern

Many guests attended a holiday open house at Boykin’s Tavern on Dec. 14. Visitors saw Colonial and Victorian holiday decorations, danced with the Regency Society of Virginia, learned about holiday foods and, of course, visited with St. Nick. The jolly old elf enjoyed his time with all his guests.

I Love a Parade!

Curator Tracey Neikirk drove the Tourism van in Smithfield's annual Christmas parade on Dec. 14. She and her elf handed out sweet treats for parade watchers!

Exhibit Installation

Installation of the museum's Civil War exhibit began on Dec. 13!

Tell Me A Story

Our December Tell Me A Story program on Dec. 9 featured customs from the holiday throughout history. And a reading of Merry Christmas, Splat!

Victorian Shadowlight Theater

On Dec. 7, the Shadowlight Theater of Williamsburg performed at the museum, and the Isle of Wight County Museum Foundation hosted their annual holiday reception. We enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment, made our own shadow puppets and enjoyed some tasty treats.

Deck the Doors

Thanks to the Woman's Club of Smithfield for our gorgeous holiday wreaths!

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Rein-pig

For the holidays, our mascot pig donned a red nose and antlers to pull his team of reindeer.

Happy Birthday, Benjamin Huger!

On Friday, Nov. 22, we recognized Benjamin Huger's birthday with a special tour of Fort Huger and a small celebration at the Isle of Wight County Museum. Guests at both events learned about the career U.S. Army ordnance officer who fought with distinction during the Mexican-American War and served as a Confederate general during the Civil War.

The Muster Marches

In early November, we began receiving entries for our scarecrow muster at Boykin's Tavern. Isle of Wight Academy brought over some of their own entries with an Edgar Allen Poe theme! We have many fantastic entries and are looking forward to the muster on Nov. 16!

Hugers Visits Fort Huger

On Friday, Nov. 8, a direct descendant of Civil War Maj. Gen. Benjamin Huger visited his namesake's historic fort in Isle of Wight County. Benjamin Huger II of Virginia Beach, Va., and his wife Judy, are pictured here at the historical marker on Route 10 in Rushmere.

Trick-or-Treating in Downtown Smithfield

On Ham-o-ween night in downtown Smithfield, the Great Pumpkin rises out of the pumpkin patch and brings toys to all the good boys and girls. At the museum, we greeted approximately 1,000 of those good boys and girls with toys at the Isle of Wight County Museum. We saw some adorable witches, superheroes, minions, princesses and cats.

Hardy Elementary's 2nd Graders Visit

Second graders at Hardy Elementary School visited the museum on Oct. 18. They toured the museum, and we discussed colonial history. After visiting with us, students made their way to the 1750 Courthouse and The Schoolhouse Museum.

Painting Dedication

On Oct. 11, the Daughters of the American Revolution, Col. William Allen Chapter, hosted an unveiling of their commissioned art to highlight the heroic efforts of Elizabeth Bennett Young during the Revolutionary War.In war, courthouse records were often destroyed by the enemy. Upon hearing that British Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton was nearing Smithfield in 1781, Elizabeth Bennett Young hid the county’s records in a trunk and buried them on a nearby farm until the war’s end. Young, the wife of Deputy Clerk Lt. Francis Young, protected what are now some of the oldest and most complete court records in the United States thus providing valuable information for historians, genealogists and the general public.The painted was dedicated and given to Isle of Wight County. It now hangs in the Young-Laine Courts Building. Artist Stephanie Faleski poses here with her masterpiece.

Preparing for the Courthouse's New Painting

The Col. William Allen Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution has worked with us to coordinate the dedication of a commissioned painting to Isle of Wight County on Oct. 11 at the Young-Laine Courts Building. We installed some signage on Oct. 9 to make sure that we were ready for this great day!

Bayside Camporee

On Oct. 5 and 6, the Tidewater Council of Boy Scouts of America hosted the Bayside Camporee at the county's fair grounds. They worked closely with Parks and Recreation and Historic Resources to make this event a success - and they were all able to visit Boykin's Tavern on Saturday!

Parade of Homes

From Oct. 5 to 20 in Cypress Creek, the 27th anniversary year of Peninsula Home Builders Association's Parade of Homes in South Hampton Roads will showcase fully furnished and landscaped custom homes demonstrating the latest in home construction, design, furnishings and technological innovations. One of the seven featured homes is Stephen Alexander Homes' Smithfield House. The designers and planners of this home worked in partnership with Curator/Registrar Tracey Neikirk to display some of the museum's collection.

Scouts Visit Boykin's Tavern

On Sept. 28, a Girl Scout Troop 1539 from Newport News visited Boykin's Tavern for a discussion and activities related to colonial history.

Teachers Tour Fort Boykin

On Sept. 27 and 28, Isle of Wight County Schools hosted a workshop through the Virginia Geographic Alliance entitled Developing a Geographic Perspective in Your Own Backyard. Teachers throughout the state attended this event. On Saturday, we met them for a tour of Fort Boykin.

Ready for the Scarecrow Muster at Boykin's Tavern!

Boykin's Tavern is ready for the Scarecrow Muster in November. Are you starting to plan your entry?

Retirement Party for Doug Caskey

Boykin's Tavern was the location of County Administrator Doug Caskey's retirement party on Sept. 24. We were happy to host the event and wish him the best!

Fall-Themed Museum Window

Our Macy's window at the museum is decorated for fall!

Pan Ham 2013

On Sept. 10, we announced the winners of our summer Pan Ham contest!

All submissions were entered into a drawing, and these entries were chosen:First Place: Anna Knickel of Dallas, Texas, for her jaunt to Hawaii.Second Place: Bernie Bishop of Williamsburg, Va., for a visit to the Hot Dog King in Newport News, Va.Third Place: Rachel Livingston of Richmond, Va., for her flutterby to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond, Va.

Curatorial Talk: Country Stores

On Aug. 4, Tracey Neikirk gave a spirited discussion of country stores in America at the Isle of Wight County Museum.

Checkmate!

The English Regency period occurred roughly between 1790 and 1820 and was known for its elegant style. Yet during that time period, there was still time for a little fun. On Aug. 3, the Regency Society of Virginia visited the tavern to teach visitors how to play games of the era - both inside and out! Visit their website at www.varegency.org.

Paul D. Camp Kids College Returns for the Cold War

Paul D. Camp Community College Kids College visited the Isle of Wight County Museum on July 19 to discuss the Cold War. We discussed its origins, visited Nike Park, discussed Cold War culture, created our own Cold War inspired monster and shot a B-movie starring those monsters. Watch their video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iWukXUbED0&feature=youtu.be.

Going Global!

Dominik Sasim of Warsaw, Poland, has been a collector of museum pins and badges from across the globe for almost six years. His collection, more than 1500 pieces, includes pieces from all types of museums and historic monuments.We recently sent him a bookmark of the oldest peanut in the world, and he was thrilled. Sasim said, “Thank you very much for souvenirs. All are beautiful but the most I liked your bookmark and nice leaflets. Very interesting to have a Museum and I hope that someday I could visit them. All the best and greetings from Poland.”His oldest and most valuable piece comes from the now defunct Museum of Archeology in Warsaw - the badge dates to 1933. Sasim said, “My collection expands mainly thanks to exchanges with other collectors as well as via internet auctions. My friends and colleagues also remember my hobby and often bring these small souvenirs for me from their domestic or international voyages. Additionally, I often visit museums myself in search of new gadgets for my collection.” Visit Sasim’s collection here: http://collections.pl/domimuseums-vt9837,570.htm.

A Big Thank You!

On June 10, Judy Williams, our volunteer educational specialist, received a special thank you note from Smithfield Head Start for all her work with them this year!

Native Herbs and Edible Plants at Fort Boykin

On May 11, Mike Rasnake, naturalist and master gardener, joined us at Fort Boykin for a lecture on native edibles. Afterwards, weenjoyed a treat of natural flavors including chickweed pesto, dried sunchokes and sassafras tea.

A Stroll Down Church Street

On May 11, we began our Saturday at 10:30 a.m. with a walking tour of S. Church Street. If you missed it, join us again on June 1, July 13 or Aug. 10!

Our Latest Acquisition

The museum's latest acquisition is a hog slaughtering table. Originally, this wooden table was in the Gwaltney Plant. After the company changed hands, the table became part of a private collection. On May 9, the table was donated to the museum. The piece is 10 feet long and weighs approximately 300 pounds.

How did we lift it up to the balcony? Magic.

Duck & Cover Exhibit Progress

We're still a while from completing our Duck & Cover exhibit, but we did install a few artifacts on May 7. After all, May 7 is Radio Day, so it was only right that our shortwave radio emerge from storage.

Curatorial Talk: The History of Ham and Ham Production

We had some enthusiastic ham lovers come out for our curator's talk on April 28!

Volunteers are Made Every Minute!

On our walking tour of Fort Huger on April 20, some of our guests volunteered to assist us with a minor repair to one of our cannons. Helen Dyer had it right when she said, "Volunteerism is the voice of the people put into action."

Homeschool Day

On April 19, Historic Resources hosted a day for homeschoolers at its historic sites. Homeschoolers of all ages visited the Isle of Wight County Museum, Boykin's Tavern, Fort Boykin, Fort Huger and Nike Park for a selection of fun and engaging activities highlighting the history of Isle of Wight County and Virginia. Also participating were St. Luke's Church, the Schoolhouse Museum and the 1750 Courthouse. Here, Miss Andrews of Chesapeake builds a model of Fort Boykin using wooden blocks.

Researching Your Family Roots

On Saturday, Rod McDonald of the Tidewater Genealogical Society offered a seminar at the museum on how to research your family roots. If you missed it, we'll bring him back sometime next year!

Putting the "Ham" in Hampton Roads

Our entry was published in the Virginian-Pilot's annual Peep contest! http://hamptonroads.com/2013/03/hampton-roads-peep-show#1055321000.jpg

A Job Weld Done at Fort Huger

Historic Civil War Fort Huger added a few cannonballs to its display inventory on March 14. Historic Resources Manager Jennifer Williams, master welder Baxter Davis, Parks and Recreation Lead Grounds Worker Gary Askew and Parks and Recreation Technician Larry Weaver stand here at one of the reconstructed gun platforms on the east facing rampart wall of the Confederate fort. The 72-pound iron projectiles in the foreground were the type fired from this gun position in 1862. These nine-inch diameter cannon shells were donated to Isle of Wight County Historic Resources by Albert Burckard.

Walking Tour of Fort Boykin

On March 10, we toured Fort Boykin with 33 attendees and a well-behaved Labrador Retriever. All are welcome on our tours!

Cold War-Inspired Monster Movies

The museum's window on Main Street received a new theme: Cold War-inspired monster movies. Our star pig is featured watching The Day The Earth Stood Still and Them! on his vintage television complete with panther lamp, 3D glasses and snacks. (If you look closely, you can see the giant tentacle arms poised to attack him.) We’ve added an old projector, some movie reels and ticket stubs to complete his look.

A Salute to the Tuskegee Airmen

On Feb. 16, Tuskegee Airman William White of Smithfield gave a lecture about his experiences with the US Army Air Corps. It was standing room only for this event. From left are Tidewater Chapter President Ronald M. Frink, William White and Tidewater Chapter Member Ret. USAF Msgt. Harold A. Wiley Jr.

Nike Missile Magazines

In February, Parks and Recreation pumped the former Nike missile magazines free of water in preparation for improvements at the skate ramp.This allowed Historic Resources to venture into the magazines for a look.

A huge shout-out goes to the Parks and Rec crew for giving us a little bit of time to see and document the empty magazines!

Doors leading out of Magazine A

Missiles were elevated up through steel doors here to the surface.

Elevator floor shaft

War of 1812 Lecture

Local historian, living historian and re-enactor Rob Friar visited the museum on Feb. 3 for an informative lecture about the War of 1812, the 32-month conflict between the United States and the British Empire and their allies. He engaged the audience with questions as he gave an overview of the war and discussed its impact on southeastern Virginia. If you missed it, you missed a great lecture!

This Swine Knows Where to Winter!

"Where did Magnolia go?" That's a question we hear a few times each week. Magnolia is one of the eight outdoor swinely statues in Smithfield. Normally, she's just outside the museum, but like all famous stars, she's in need of a little cosmetic surgery. As she awaits her facelift, she can be viewed inside the museum! Visit her and then post your picture with her on our Pinterest site! http://pinterest.com/iowhistres/post-your-pix-with-magnolia/

Taking a Brake from the Road!

On Nov. 17, 2012, 1928–1931 met 1861-1865 when the Colonial Virginia Model A Ford Club visited Fort Huger for a tour!

Civil War 150 Legacy Project

The Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission and the Library of Virginia are working together to locate original manuscript material related to the Civil War to be used for reference on both the Library of Virginia and Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission websites. The Library of Virginia visited the Isle of Wight County Museum on July 16, 2011, and again on Oct. 27, 2012, to scan privately held war-related documents.Renee Savits of the Library of Virginia is pictured scanning a collection of 1863-1864 letters from Joab Bishop to his wife Rhoda. He served in Missouri and Tennessee.Citizens throughout the state are encouraged to share original family materials to be included in the project through 2015. Items of interest include diaries, letters, photographs, claims for damages, hand-drawn maps, hand-drawn sketches, military passes and discharge papers, pension materials and other Civil War-era materials. Documents do not have to be specific to Virginia. Visit http://virginiacivilwar.org/legacy to learn more about this statewide project.

Magnolia Manor Fun

Each month, volunteer Katherine Walls Mountjoy visits the residents at Magnolia Manor to share a bit of Isle of Wight County history. In August, the topic was beaches: Burwell's Bay, Fort Boykin, etc., and residents were able to create their very own beach-in-a-bottle project.

Recording the Oral History of Nike Park

On Aug. 26, Historic Resources recorded the oral histories of several people who worked at or were connected to the Carrollton Nike Missile Battery N-75.

Porcine Statuary

Lois Chapman poses with her pig statue which will soon be installed outside the Isle of Wight County Museum. Her pig - named Magnolia - features images from the museum's photograph collection.

With a Fulcrum and a Lever, You Can Move the World

Isle of Wight County Public Works recently engineered and built a platform for the Isle of Wight County Museum's latest addition: a 24-Pound Flank Howitzer. This 1858 piece, on display in the museum through December 2015, weighs approximately 1,400 pounds.

Geocache Recognition!

At the 2012 Hampton Roads Hidey Awards, the Star-Spangled Banner Geo-Trail site Fort Boykin Historic Park was awarded a gold award in the following categories: Outstanding Historical Cache and Outstanding Scenic Location.